Happy

Having been the first to leave, Jin was also the first to return, and he celebrated his comeback exactly as suits him, with joy. In November 2024, a few months after completing his military service, he released Happy, his first proper solo album since the farewell single The Astronaut. The title alone says it all, since this album is, simply and honestly, about happiness.

After two years away, Jin wanted to bring a smile back to his audience, so he conceived Happy as a journey through joy, a warm and bright work about love and life's simple pleasures. There are no heavy themes or dark tones here, just the kind of music that warms you, like reuniting with an old friend. It was the perfect message for the moment he returned to his fans.

Sonically the album is bright, with a recognizable pop rock feel and warm melodies that highlight his soft, pleasant voice. It's led by the song Running Wild, energetic and buoyant, while the gentler I'll Be There served as its lead single. Jin also gathered a lovely international team around him, with notable musicians from Britain, Korea, and Japan appearing as guests on the album, lending it variety and breadth.

What makes Happy special is exactly this unburdened brightness. While some other solo albums were deep confessions, Jin chose simple, honest joy, and he stayed true to that choice throughout. He didn't try to seem important or mysterious, but instead gave his audience exactly what he himself felt, happiness at being back and gratitude toward those who had waited for him.

The album's success was huge and historic, since Happy climbed very high on the American albums chart, making BTS the first k-pop group in which every single member had a solo album reach the top ten. But above all the numbers, Happy remained exactly what its name promised, a joyful hello from the member who came home first, and a warm sign that, little by little, the group was coming back together.